Changing lives one day at a time
Passionate about helping people, Beverly Narainsamy has committed her life to volunteer work.
ORDINARY people become heroes through extraordinary and generous actions to help their neighbours.
Via her selfless disposition, Empangeni resident Beverly Narainsamy (57) has become an honoured hero of the Zululand community.
Passionate to help those less privileged than herself, Beverly has been involved in volunteer work since 1980 and firmly believes that it does not kill to be kind.
‘It started with a feeding scheme together with my daughter, who at the time opened a tourism company which gave me exposure to all facets of rural communities and their needs.
‘There’s no need to ask for payment. God will give you your wages in His time,’ she said.
Independently hosting outreach programmes and feeding schemes for several years, in 2010 Beverly formally joined non-profit organisation (NPO), Hope Project managed by the late coordinator, Everhard van Rooyen.
The NPO, which currently comprises eight volunteers, conducts various outreach drives.
‘We cook a meal and physically feed people in rural areas once every two months, we supply between 40 and 50 Empangeni families with food parcels every week and we cater to primary school in KwaMbonambi.
‘We have ongoing drives to collect books, clothes, toys, sanitary towels and food which is subsequently distributed in various areas.
‘We work closely with churches, rural schools and local businesses.
‘The support we’ve had from these companies is incredible! Year after year, they assist with our Christmas parties, Madiba Day, virtually anything,’ said Beverly.
A bit of Bev
Originally from Cape Town, Beverly moved to Zululand in 1969 and at the tender age of 17 married her heart’s true love.
Four children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild later, Beverly says her family is her greatest blessing and support.
‘I have spent my whole life doing volunteer work and my family has been an endless source of encouragement and support,’ she said.
In her free time, Beverly relaxes to gospel music, devotional books or a TBN series.
